Rado - McKinley - No reserve price - 244349 - Men - 1970-1979

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This bold and highly distinctive Rado McKinley perfectly encapsulates the daring architectural design language of the 1970s. Known for pushing the boundaries of traditional watchmaking aesthetics, Rado created timepieces that were entirely unique to their era, and this McKinley is a prime example. Featuring a substantial cushion case and the brand’s signature kinetic anchor logo, this watch offers an incredible presence on the wrist. It represents a fantastic opportunity for collectors seeking a character-rich, mid-century Swiss timepiece that stands out from the conventional crowd, boasting an exceptionally well-preserved dial that immediately draws the eye. Brand: Rado Model: McKinley Reference Number: 244349 Movement: Automatic, 25 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst with applied faceted indices and red date wheel, exceptionally clean and well-preserved Case Size: 40 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with an outstanding dial and honest case wear Dial and Hands The dial of this Rado McKinley is a visual delight, executing a brilliant silver sunburst finish that catches the light dynamically from every angle. It is adorned with highly dimensional, applied faceted block indices, each featuring a distinct black central stripe that provides excellent contrast and legibility. The matching baton hands echo this design with their own black central accents, creating a cohesive and striking aesthetic. At the three o'clock position, a framed date window displays striking red numerals, adding a welcome pop of color. Above the center, the iconic Rado rotating anchor logo sits on a crimson background, functioning exactly as intended. Condition-wise, the dial is remarkably preserved, appearing exceptionally clean and free of moisture marks, spotting, or discoloration. The stylized "McKinley" typography at six o'clock remains perfectly crisp, showcasing a dial that has survived the decades with impressive grace. Case and Crystal The prominent 40mm stainless steel cushion case is a testament to the era's robust design philosophy. Its broad, sweeping polished flanks and distinctive lugless profile give it a substantial and commanding presence. The watch is fitted with a highly domed crystal that beautifully magnifies the dial beneath it, remaining clear and free of major visual obstructions. The original Rado-signed crown, featuring the anchor emblem, is present and sits neatly against the case side. Turning the watch over reveals the screw-down caseback, proudly displaying the stamped Rado Water-Sealed medallion with its three seahorses. The case is in honest, untouched condition, exhibiting surface scuffs, hairline scratches, and light handling marks across its highly polished surfaces, completely consistent with regular vintage wear while retaining its bold structural integrity. Movement Powering this timepiece is a Swiss-made, gold-toned automatic movement featuring 25 jewels. The movement is visually clean and well-maintained, with the Rado signature and anchor logo proudly engraved on the winding rotor. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era, recording -66 to -70 seconds per day on the timegrapher. Strap The watch is paired with a period-correct black leather strap featuring an embossed crocodile grain pattern. The strap is supple and complements the bold monochromatic aesthetic of the steel case and silver dial perfectly, secured by a standard steel tang buckle. Condition This Rado McKinley is presented in good vintage condition. The absolute highlight of this piece is its stunningly well-preserved dial, which borders on near-mint visually, showing virtually no signs of age or degradation. The stainless steel case displays normal, honest vintage wear, with visible hairline scratches and scuffs on the polished surfaces that speak to its history of being worn and enjoyed. The movement is functioning and visually clean, making this a highly attractive and wearable vintage package. Dimensions The stainless steel cushion case measures a substantial 40 mm in width, excluding the signed crown. Its lugless design allows it to wear comfortably while maintaining a significant visual footprint on the wrist. Remarks Finding vintage Rado models from this period with such a pristine dial is becoming increasingly difficult. The McKinley offers a unique blend of robust 1970s case geometry and refined dial finishing. This is a watch that commands attention and starts conversations, serving as a proud representation of Rado’s most creative era of watchmaking. It is a fantastic addition to any vintage portfolio focused on unique designs and strong wrist presence. History Founded in 1917 in Lengnau, Switzerland, as Schlup & Co., the company eventually launched the Rado brand in the 1950s. Rado quickly distinguished itself from other Swiss manufacturers by embracing unconventional case shapes, innovative materials, and futuristic designs. The introduction of the kinetic anchor logo became a hallmark of their automatic watches, symbolizing the motion of the winding rotor. During the 1960s and 1970s, Rado released a plethora of uniquely named and boldly styled models, cementing their reputation as a brand unafraid to challenge traditional horological norms. The McKinley stands as a proud testament to that era of fearless design and enduring Swiss mechanical quality. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-MXX-0010